Visualization of beta-adrenoceptor binding sites on human inferior vagal ganglia and their axonal transport along the rat vagus nerve

Abstract

Design: Because of uncertainties regarding the complete antihypertensive mechanism of action of ß-adrenoceptor antagonists, the present study determined whether vagal afferent neurons of humans and rats possess ß-adrenoceptors. Such a location would provide an appropriate target for ß-blockers to modulate neurotransmission of barosensitive neurons, thereby affecting blood preessure. Therefore, in vitro receptor autoradiography of high-affinity ß-adrenoceptor binding sites was performed on slices of human and rat inferior vagal (nodose) ganglia with [12Sl]-pindolol. Methods: Slide-mounted sections of human and rat inferior vagal ganglia were incubated with [125l]-pindolol in the absence or pr..